Parker and I joined forces in Geneva, Switzerland yesterday and made the short bus ride, with luggage in tow, to Chamonix.  We are sharing a Chalet with a small Dutch group just on the outskirts of town.  It is way nicer than either of us expected. We arrived a bit late in the evening and were welcomed with a hot, 3-course meal as we sat overlooking the base of the nearby Massif and glaciers.  Morning came early for us and we decided to make a quick trip into town for some last-minute gear (food and propane) before gearing up and heading out to Montenvers Mer de Glace; France’s largest glacier. Fate seems to have been on our side at nearly every corner of this trip as we have seemed to arrive at just the perfect time at every juncture encountered.  This particular instance had us boarding a train that has been operating since the 19th century.  After a short and near vertical climb, we found ourselves high in the clouds and unable to see the glacier below us.  Soon after, a steady rain began to pour.

A gondola can be found just feet from the station and, after another hair-raising ride, only 400+ steps stood in the way of us and the ice.  After strapping on our crampons we began our traverse across the glacier. It was soon apparent that several caves existed – and they were begging to be explored.  After some fun, it was down to business.  We spent the remainder of our time performing some relatively steep ice climbs and practicing rope skills.  If we aren’t ready now, we’ll never be.

Our schedule is working out perfectly and the forecast is calling for mostly sunny skies for the next 2-3 days.  Our current plan is to head out at dawn tomorrow and take the gondola and train systems to the base of the Gouter Route.  From there is will be a half-day’s haul to the Refuge du Gouter (Mountain Hut).  After a couple of hours rest, we will wake up at midnight and, God-willing, begin our 12-hour summit bid.  TO THE TOP!

– Taylor and Parker